Thailand recorded a 9.9% rise in customs-cleared exports for February compared to the previous year, according to the commerce ministry on Tuesday. This growth, driven mainly by electronics and electrical goods, was lower than analysts’ expectations.
For the first two months of 2026, export shipments expanded by 18.9%. The commerce ministry stated in its release that it anticipates this positive trend in exports will persist throughout the year. Analysts polled by Reuters had projected a 15.8% rise in exports for February. The previous month saw exports leap by 24.4%.
On the import side, Thailand saw a year-on-year jump of 31.8% in February, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.83 billion for the month.
Exports are a significant contributor to Thailand’s economy. In 2025, exports had increased by 12.9%—the highest growth in four years—bolstered by accelerated shipments preceding new U.S. tariffs.
